9th-10th century AD. A silver-gilt plate brooch of a bird with low-relief detailing, pellet eyes, pellets to the shoulders and gilt bands below, bearded mask to the centre of the back and trefoil to the tail; pin-lugs and catch to the reverse, remains of niello throughout; pin removed in antiquity and two strip-twisted wire loops inserted for use as a pendant. 20.2 grams, 73mm (3"). Property of a European collector; acquired in 2007; previously in a Dutch collection formed in the 1980s-1990s; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no. 10544-172056.